The ability to learn is more than slightly dependent on the desire or
willingness of any individual to learn. The biggest handicaps to learning
are the arrogance and self-righteous egotism that frequently accompany
ignorance.
The desire to learn frequently involves the application of an informal or
social as well as a formal academic teacher-student relationship. Just as
no one should ever be ashamed of asking for information, no one has any
valid reason to be critical of any method intended in good faith to
provide information.
Offering alternative methods of learning are always desirable. No mode of
learning, however obscure is invalid. Nor should any well intentioned
offer of information ever be rejected on its face value. Always
constructively consider the motives of the source.
Thank you,
AMG
----------
From: Kennita Watson <kwatson@netcom.com>
To: extropians@extropy.org
Subject: Re: The accumulation of information followed by knowledge
and(hopefully) wisdom.
Date: Saturday, October 04, 1997 1:29 PM
>Abraham Moses Genen wrote:
>I'd like to think that a good teacher is one who encourages others to do
>their own research and thinking. As such, the student -- regardless of
>their academic accomplishments -- should be provided with just enough
>information as may be necessary to start them on their quest for
>information and, ultimately, understanding. Understanding cannot be
>taught. Only facts can be taught. By encouraging each student to obtain
>the specific facts on their own, initiative and self-actualization is
also
>encouraged.
>
>By this method the student learns more than the simple facts. They learn
>the values inherent in the accumulation of knowledge (epistemology) and
>the need for continuous learning and intellectual evolution.
Ah -- this presumes that your correspondent has consented to a student-
teacher relationship. I am a very busy person. If I want references,
I'll ask for them -- otherwise I'd rather have the information I request
in the most clear and concise form possible. If said information piques
my interest, I may ask for and/or look up references on my own.
>From a different angle -- beware judging, particularly negatively
judging,
the levels of understanding, initiative, and/or self-actualization of
another. Or, more fliply put: Who voted you Socrates? :-)
Cheers,
Kennita
Kennita Watson | The bond that links your true family is not one of
blood,
kwatson@netcom.com| but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely
do
| members of the same family grow up under the same
roof.
| -- Richard Bach,
_Illusions_